POLICE were last night investigating allegations that a frail great-grandmother was assaulted in a care home after shocking pictures of her injuries appeared on the internet.

Widow Gladys Millard, 89, was admitted to hospital with serious facial bruising less than 48 hours after moving into the privately-run home.

On the same day, pictures of her injuries were put on Facebook by her great-granddaughter and shared by 15,000 people with 5,000 comments.

Yesterday, her family claimed Mrs Millard had been hit in the face by a man she described as a nurse who also held a pillow over her face – causing her to fall to the floor at St Stephen’s Nursing Home in Blackpool, Lancs.

Police said they were probing the “possible mistreatment” of Mrs Millard, who is paralysed down her right side following a stroke.

CAVENDISH

Great-grandmother Gladys, 89, suffered severe bruising

As she was being treated at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, her granddaughter Sarah Kinney, 46, said: “Staff believe she fell as she tried to get out of bed to go to the toilet – but Nana says she was attacked. She told us the man entered the room at 1am on Sunday and unplugged her alarm before attempting to smother her.

“She believes he hit her in the face, knocking her out of bed but can’t remember what he hit her with.” Inspectors from Blackpool Council and the Care Quality Commission have visited the home but raised no concerns for other residents.

"The CQC’s Debbie Westhead said: “We are aware of concerns and are looking into the issues raised. If necessary we will take action.”

A home spokesman said: “The safety and welfare of residents is our priority. We’re co-operating fully with authorities. “It’s unfair to face trial by social media without any right to reply.”